Planting Grant recipients for 2014 announced
With the blessing of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America, the Department of Evangelization recently announced Planting Grant recipients for 2014.
Four missions will continue to receive grants for the coming year: Saint Nicholas Mission, Lawrence, KS [Priest Joshua Lollar, pastor]; Nativity of the Lord Mission, Bossier City, LA [Priest Jason Foster, pastor]; Holy Archangels Mission, Annapolis, MD [Priest Robert Miclean, pastor]; and Holy Apostles Mission, Lansing, NY [Priest James Worthington, pastor].
Receiving a grant for the first time will be Saint Katherine Mission, Encinitas, CA [Priest Andrew Cuneo, pastor].
“These missions represent five geographical dioceses and the broadest spread of grants across the OCA in many years,” said Priest John Parker, who chairs the Department of Evangelization. “It continues to be a joy and blessing to our Orthodox Church in America to see churches planted in a variety of North American settings, and how each community adapts to local needs to spread the Gospel. Numerous well-qualified churches applied for the Planting Grant, and are to be commended for the Gospel-centered missionary labors.”
Father John added that the Diocese of Mexico also will receive a second year grant, “allowing for the building of a missionary/pastoral residence in the remote village of San Esteban.” [See related story.]
“The Church Planting Grant is an up-to-three year program which serves to allow the ministry of a full-time parish priest in a young mission church, where the financial burden would otherwise be too difficult,” Father John explained. “Each year the mission is responsible to match the grant amount, typically $24,000, then $20,000, then $16,000. The goal for the fourth year is a viable mission with a full-time priest.”